How to Build a Single Tank Biodiesel Processor

With the price of gasoline steadily rising, many people are turning to alternative fuels. Biodiesel uses new or used vegetable oil along with small amounts of ethanol or methanol and lye to make an inexpensive and clean-burning fuel. The best part is that you can make your own biodiesel in your garage or workshop.

Things You'll Need

• 55-gallon steel drum
• 1.5-inch-diameter steel pipe
• 1.5-inch ball valve
• Water heater element
• Water heater thermostat
• Saw
• Scrap lumber
• Drill
• Welding equipment
• 2 pulleys
• 12-inch rolled steel rod
• Electric motor
• 2 shelf brackets
• Hinge
• Iron pipe
• Spring
• Belt for pulleys
• Belt tension device
• Wood
• 20 screws
• Wire
• Solder

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Instructions

Outfit the Processor Tank

• 1

  Purchase a new or used 55-gallon or smaller steel drum, a 1.5-inch-diameter steel pipe, a 1.5-inch brass ball valve, a 2000-watt electric water heater element and a thermostat to make the tank.

• 2

  Remove half of the tank's top so you can insert the mixing apparatus later.

• 3

  Build a stand from scrap lumber or find a used pallet to raise the tank for drainage.

• 4

  Flip the tank upside down to make the bottom drain. Drill a 1.5-inch drain hole in the center, and then weld the length of pipe into the hole. Ensure that the pipe has a threaded end at least 3 to 5 inches from the tank's bottom, and screw the ball valve to the threaded end. This allows you to drain your fuel and to clean the tank when necessary.

• 5

  Drill a hole the same size as your heater element in the side of the tank near the bottom. Push the heater element through the hole and attach it so that it won't touch the side of the drum. Wire the element so that it can be turned on and off, and attach the thermostat to the outside of the tank. Solder around the hole for the heater element so that there are no leaks.

Assemble the Mixer for the Processor

• 6

  Fasten one of the pulleys to the rolled steel rod. Connect the other to the motor shaft. The pulleys should be able to produce 250 rpm or a 750 rpm maximum at the mixer blade.

• 7

  Make mixer blades by welding steel shelf brackets to the other end of the steel rod.

• 8

  Secure the assemblage of the mixer blades, rod and pulley to the hinge.

• 9

  Find an iron pipe the length of the diameter of the tank and weld it across the tank's top next to the opening.

• 10

  Position the hinge on top of the tank and weld the unattached side to the iron rod so the mixer assemblage sits inside the middle of the tank. The mixer assemblage should be able to swing freely inside the tank. The hinge, along with a spring, create the belt's tension.

• 11

  Install the electric motor along the side of the tank. The motor should be no more than 3/4 horsepower.

• 12

  Connect the pulleys and the belt and increase the tension on the belt by jamming a piece of wood in the hinge. Your processor should now be ready to work.